EBKL- Relationship Manager – Youth Banking

Equity Bank Kenya Limited (EBKL) is a leading technology-driven financial services institution operating in Kenya. Leveraging technology, data and innovation, we deliver integrated financial and non-financial solutions that drive inclusive growth, economic empowerment and sustainable development at scale. Our diversified ecosystem spans banking, insurance, payments, technology, investment and social impact, enabling us to serve individuals, businesses and communities seamlessly across multiple touchpoints. Our business model is anchored on a distinctive Tri-Engine Framework comprising Economic, Social and Sustainability Engines, which enables us to deepen financial inclusion, strengthen value chains, empower communities and create long-term shared value for all stakeholders.

Our purpose, "Transforming lives, giving dignity, and expanding opportunities for wealth creation," guides every strategic decision we make. We are driven by a bold vision, "to be the champion of the socio-economic prosperity of the people of Africa," and this ambition is embedded in our culture through our core values of Professionalism, Integrity, Creativity and Innovation, Teamwork, Unity of Purpose, Respect, and Effective Corporate Governance (PICTURE).

Our growth and impact agenda is operationalized through the Africa Recovery and Resilience Plan (ARRP), which serves as the strategic blueprint for leveraging technology, expanding access to opportunities, accelerating economic transformation, and delivering sustainable value creation across Africa

The Role Purpose

To lead the growth and development of the Youth Banking portfolio by expanding customer acquisition, deepening primary banking relationships and driving digital adoption. The role is responsible for building strategic partnerships across youth-focused ecosystems, delivering relevant financial solutions and growing sustainable deposits, quality lending and revenue. It also ensures that young customers are supported through their financial journey while maintaining sound portfolio quality, responsible banking practices and a strong customer experience.

The Key Responsibilities

• Youth Portfolio Growth & Acquisition: Develop and execute strategies to acquire, activate and grow the assigned youth banking portfolio, building sustainable primary banking relationships and deposit growth.

• Customer Relationship Management: Drive customer engagement, retention and relationship deepening through tailored banking solutions that respond to the evolving financial needs of young customers.

• Digital Banking Adoption: Accelerate digital onboarding, adoption and active usage of mobile banking, wallets and self-service channels through targeted campaigns and customer engagement initiatives.

• Youth Lending & Credit Growth: Drive responsible lending to young entrepreneurs, creators and gig economy participants, ensuring sustainable portfolio growth within approved credit policies and risk appetite.

• Youth Ecosystem Development: Build strategic relationships across the creator economy, entertainment, sports, entrepreneurship and technology ecosystems to expand market reach and unlock new business opportunities.

• Deposit Mobilisation & Primary Banking: Develop initiatives that convert youth income streams into sustainable deposits, transaction flows and primary banking relationships.

• Product Penetration & Revenue Diversification: Drive uptake of cards, bancassurance, savings, investments and other relevant financial solutions to deepen relationships and grow non-funded income.

• Customer Lifecycle & Mainstream Banking Transition: Establish customer lifecycle strategies that support the progression of youth customers into broader retail, SME and mainstream banking propositions as their financial needs and earning capacity evolve.

• Distribution Effectiveness & Capability Development: Build the capacity of branch teams and Relationship Managers through targeted coaching, product knowledge and sales enablement to strengthen youth customer acquisition, engagement and portfolio growth.

• Portfolio Quality, Risk & Conduct Management: Ensure responsible customer acquisition and portfolio growth through adherence to KYC, credit, fraud prevention, consumer protection and conduct requirements, while maintaining portfolio quality.

Equity Bank Kenya Limited (EBKL) is a leading technology-driven financial services institution operating in Kenya. Leveraging technology, data and innovation, we deliver integrated financial and non-financial solutions that drive inclusive growth, economic empowerment and sustainable development at scale. Our diversified ecosystem spans banking, insurance, payments, technology, investment and social impact, enabling us to serve individuals, businesses and communities seamlessly across multiple touchpoints. Our business model is anchored on a distinctive Tri-Engine Framework comprising Economic, Social and Sustainability Engines, which enables us to deepen financial inclusion, strengthen value chains, empower communities and create long-term shared value for all stakeholders.

Our purpose, "Transforming lives, giving dignity, and expanding opportunities for wealth creation," guides every strategic decision we make. We are driven by a bold vision, "to be the champion of the socio-economic prosperity of the people of Africa," and this ambition is embedded in our culture through our core values of Professionalism, Integrity, Creativity and Innovation, Teamwork, Unity of Purpose, Respect, and Effective Corporate Governance (PICTURE).

Our growth and impact agenda is operationalized through the Africa Recovery and Resilience Plan (ARRP), which serves as the strategic blueprint for leveraging technology, expanding access to opportunities, accelerating economic transformation, and delivering sustainable value creation across Africa

The Role Purpose

To lead the growth and development of the Youth Banking portfolio by expanding customer acquisition, deepening primary banking relationships and driving digital adoption. The role is responsible for building strategic partnerships across youth-focused ecosystems, delivering relevant financial solutions and growing sustainable deposits, quality lending and revenue. It also ensures that young customers are supported through their financial journey while maintaining sound portfolio quality, responsible banking practices and a strong customer experience.

The Key Responsibilities

• Youth Portfolio Growth & Acquisition: Develop and execute strategies to acquire, activate and grow the assigned youth banking portfolio, building sustainable primary banking relationships and deposit growth.

• Customer Relationship Management: Drive customer engagement, retention and relationship deepening through tailored banking solutions that respond to the evolving financial needs of young customers.

• Digital Banking Adoption: Accelerate digital onboarding, adoption and active usage of mobile banking, wallets and self-service channels through targeted campaigns and customer engagement initiatives.

• Youth Lending & Credit Growth: Drive responsible lending to young entrepreneurs, creators and gig economy participants, ensuring sustainable portfolio growth within approved credit policies and risk appetite.

• Youth Ecosystem Development: Build strategic relationships across the creator economy, entertainment, sports, entrepreneurship and technology ecosystems to expand market reach and unlock new business opportunities.

• Deposit Mobilisation & Primary Banking: Develop initiatives that convert youth income streams into sustainable deposits, transaction flows and primary banking relationships.

• Product Penetration & Revenue Diversification: Drive uptake of cards, bancassurance, savings, investments and other relevant financial solutions to deepen relationships and grow non-funded income.

• Customer Lifecycle & Mainstream Banking Transition: Establish customer lifecycle strategies that support the progression of youth customers into broader retail, SME and mainstream banking propositions as their financial needs and earning capacity evolve.

• Distribution Effectiveness & Capability Development: Build the capacity of branch teams and Relationship Managers through targeted coaching, product knowledge and sales enablement to strengthen youth customer acquisition, engagement and portfolio growth.

• Portfolio Quality, Risk & Conduct Management: Ensure responsible customer acquisition and portfolio growth through adherence to KYC, credit, fraud prevention, consumer protection and conduct requirements, while maintaining portfolio quality.

Key Technical Skills & leadership competencies

• Retail, SME and relationship banking product knowledge

• Credit judgement and portfolio quality management for non-traditional income profiles

• Digital banking adoption and customer lifecycle management

• Sales leadership, coaching and branch enablement

• Customer-centric mindset with strong results orientation

• Influencing and collaboration across branches, Credit, Risk and Digital teams

Experience requirements

• 6 to 8 years in retail, SME or relationship banking. Youth, digital or creative sector exposure is an added advantage.

• Relationship management in retail, SME or business banking with a record of deposit and lending growth

• Digital banking fluency and a data-driven approach to portfolio management

• Credit judgement for SME and non-traditional income profiles

• Coaching, influencing and campaign execution across a branch network

• Understanding of the youth, creator and gig economy

Academic qualifications and certifications

• Must Have

• Bachelor’s degree in business management, Finance, Commerce, Marketing, or a related field.

• Relevant professional qualification(s) in banking or financial services.

(Nice to Have)

• Master’s degree in business management, Finance, Commerce, Marketing, or a related field.

• Membership in a recognized professional body relevant to banking, insurance, or financial services.

Key Technical Skills & leadership competencies

• Retail, SME and relationship banking product knowledge

• Credit judgement and portfolio quality management for non-traditional income profiles

• Digital banking adoption and customer lifecycle management

• Sales leadership, coaching and branch enablement

• Customer-centric mindset with strong results orientation

• Influencing and collaboration across branches, Credit, Risk and Digital teams

Experience requirements

• 6 to 8 years in retail, SME or relationship banking. Youth, digital or creative sector exposure is an added advantage.

• Relationship management in retail, SME or business banking with a record of deposit and lending growth

• Digital banking fluency and a data-driven approach to portfolio management

• Credit judgement for SME and non-traditional income profiles

• Coaching, influencing and campaign execution across a branch network

• Understanding of the youth, creator and gig economy

Academic qualifications and certifications

• Must Have

• Bachelor’s degree in business management, Finance, Commerce, Marketing, or a related field.

• Relevant professional qualification(s) in banking or financial services.

(Nice to Have)

• Master’s degree in business management, Finance, Commerce, Marketing, or a related field.

• Membership in a recognized professional body relevant to banking, insurance, or financial services.